2025 and 2026 dates and prices

2025: Our 2025 trip can be booked as a full 14 night / 15 day circumnavigation (Pahoehoe Parts I and II combined), or as a shorter 7 night / 8 day on-board expedition.   Both options include 2 nights in Quito pre-cruise. 

SHORT OPTION: 7 nights on board, 2 nights in Quito: US$ 7,936 per person, shared accommodation / US$14,336 solo accommodation.

• Pahoehoe departure Part I: 2-11 July (2 nights in Quito, 7 nights on board)

• Pahoehoe departure Part II: 9-18 July (2 nights in Quito, 7 nights on board)

LONG OPTION: 14 nights on board, 2 nights in Quito:  US$ 14,465 per person, shared accommodation / US$26,522 solo accommodation

• Pahoehoe Parts I and II: 2-18 July (2 nights in Quito, 14 nights on board)

2026: US$ 14,855 per person, shared accommodation / US$27,052 solo accommodation. 2 nights in Quito, 14 nights on board.

• Alcedo departure: 20 May - 5 June

• La Cumbre departure: 1 - 17 July

What’s included?

• 2 nights in Quito at the comfortable Mama Cuchara boutique hotel pre-cruise (breakfasts).

• City day tour (lunch).

• Domestic flights / private transfers to and from airports (domestic flights).

• 14 nights aboard the ship (with kayaks, paddle boards). All meals, snacks, water.

• 2 naturalist guides

• Tui De Roy on board to provide insights and guidance

• Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits.

• $200,000 emergency evacuation insurance / carbon offsets.

Photography & Natural History in the Galápagos Islands

What makes our tours unique?

1. An uninterrupted itinerary : The ship won’t be sailing back to port during your trip, dropping off / picking up new passengers. Uninterrupted itineraries help build a sense of camaraderie among the guests, guides and crew. They allow the ship to venture further from the ports and linger longer in the more remote corners of the archipelago.

2. A full 15-day circumnavigation: We’re assuming you want to get the absolute most out of your time in the islands, and that you want to be given the broadest range of opportunities to be exposed to the best of what they have to offer. The more time you spend out and about in the archipelago, the greater the odds of encountering rare / unique phenomema. A full, uninterrupted 15 circumnavigation is about as good as it gets. Charles Darwin would be envious.

3. Two quality naturalist guides: We hand-pick two naturalist guides, providing for an intimate 8:1 guest to guide ratio. This gives us the flexibilty to attend to different inclinations within the group. Some may be keener on snorkeling / underwater photography, others may want to take a break and spend some down time on the beach. Our two guides will ensure you have built-in versatility during your trip.

4. Led by Tui deRoy: Tui deRoy is considered is the most accomplished and well-known Galapagos photographer. Raised in the islands from age 2, no other professional photographer has such an intimate knowledge of the islands. No other dedicated photography cruise in Galapagos enjoys the services of such a reputable Galapapagos photographer. See Tui’s bio below.

5. Early morning and late afternoon excursions: We get up early and are out and about on land at, or soon after sunrise on most days. Similarly, we often linger on land until close to sunset. Doing so has several benefits: i) Excellent lighting for photography; ii) Peaks of wildlife activity; iii) More comfortable temperatures; iv) reduced likelihood of encountering other groups.

6. Slow paced: To get the most out of your time in Galapagos, it’s important to take the time to develop a sense of intimacy with your surroundings, with the wildlife and the landscapes, both above and below the sea. That’s best done by adopting a slow-paced approach to your visits. This approach is ideal for photographers and non-photographers alike. We might take as much as two hours to complete a 1 mile / 1.6km hike, for example. We’ll stop frequently, we’ll sit among a group of marine iguanas, or close to nesting blue footed boobies and observe them going about their normal routines. Similarly, you’ll be free to spend as much time snorkeling as you like - with the option of returning to the ship whenever you’re ready.

7. Suitable for non-photographers / artists / sketchers: Our photo tours also attract people who want to be sure they won’t be rushed during their Galapagos visit. “Not being rushed” is an important criteria for both photographers and for people who want to get as much out of their Galapagos visit as possible. With this in mind, our Galapagos photo tours are just as attractive to photographers as they are to nature enthusiasts.

8. Two nights / two days in Quito pre-cruise: Over the years, we’ve come to appreciate the value in arriving into Quito two days prior to the embarkation date. These days provide a valuable buffer against the vicissitudes of travel (missed connections, snowstorms, delayed luggage delivery). We’ve programmed a wonderful visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito, giving you a chance to settle into your new country, rest up after a long trip, and start your time in Galapagos on the right foot.

Your Tour Leader: Tui de Roy

Tui is a recipient of numerous awards and medals for both her photography and conservation work, including the North American Nature Photographers Association’s ‘Outstanding Photographer of the Year’, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s award for ‘Courage and Active Service’ and an ‘Honorary Park Ranger’ medal from the Galápagos National Park. Her work continues to inspire and educate, reminding us of the incredible beauty and diversity of our planet and the importance of preserving the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve for future generations.

Only very rarely does Tui lead a photo tour – this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the islands through her eyes! 

ITINERARY: 2 nights in Quito, followed by 14 nights on board

Day 1: Wednesday

Arrival in Quito, overnight at the Mama Cuchara Arts Hotel. Free evening for those arriving earlier. Hotel transfer is not included.  Taxis can be easily arranged at the airport.  If you'd like a private transfer, contact us.

Day 2: Thursday

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll get the chance to visit Quito's historic centre.  The government of Ecuador and the City government have invested a lot over the past decade and transformed to old city centre into a delightful place to discover history and architecture, along with the opportunity to see Ecuadorians out and about in town.    Historic Quito was inscribed onto the World Heritage list at the same time as Galapagos, in 1978 (see http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/2 for more details).   If the morning's sky is particularly clear, we will arrange for a trip on the cable car up to Pichincha volcano, where you should be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the Quito valley below and surrounding snow capped volcanoes.  Lunch is provided in a tasty local restaurant.   You'll be back at the hotel in time for a quiet late afternoon.  Free evening - local restaurants abound.

Day 3: Friday

AM: Flying from Quito, our flight will arrive at Baltra Island at around noon (local time), where we will be greeted by our guide in the lobby, who will be waiting for our arrival to drive us to Yacht Anahí. Your baggage will be handled by one of our crew members who, aboard the small
Zodiacs will transport you directly to the yacht. The captain and the crew will welcome you on board, and then you will have your cabins assigned. After lunch, our guide will give you a brief explanation of the afternoon activities.

PM: Bachas Beach: The sand of the beach is made of decomposed coral, making it white and soft, while it is also one of the favorite nesting places of sea turtles. Nearby, we can also find a small lagoon where we can usually spot black-necked stilts and the occasional flamingo. Towards the beach we'll check out the marine iguanas and a variety of seabirds. 

Day 4: Saturday

AM: Darwin Bay: After an overnight navigation from Santa Cruz Island to Tower Island, you'll awaken to the cacophony of one of the largest tropical sea bird colonies on the planet.  Disembarking at Darwin Bay, the first thing you'll notice are the cliff tops, decorated with frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow tailed gulls, tropic birds and many other pelagic animals.  Staring up the trail, the red-footed boobies are spotted displaying for potential mates as they collect nesting material and male great frigate birds are seen inflating their gulag sacks hoping to attract a mate while others play their favorite game: piracy. Darwin's finches, Galapagos doves and mocking birds stroll the area foraging for seeds and insects. The red mangroves, cactus and saltbushes contrast with the blue sky and the dark basaltic walls.

PM: The steep ascent takes you 30m/100ft above sea level. At the summit, you may encounter the elegant silhouette of the red billed tropic bird and the aerobatic Galapagos shearwater. Both interact with the precipice on fast approaches. The lava rock trail leads you through the endemic dwarf incense tree (palo santo) forest, where we'll encounter nesting red-footed "lancers" and many of their gannet-like relatives, the Nazcas, loudly claiming the earthen floor as their residence. The Palo Santo forest is dormant most of the year, and awakens only in the rainy season to infuse the air with its refreshing aroma. As you leave the forest, your breath may be taken away by the panoramic view of thousands of storm petrels flying erratically beyond the lava flows. This is the perfect scenario for the island's top predator to make a successful kill. The short-eared owl, known elsewhere around the world as a nocturnal predator, hunts in bright daylight in Genovesa. More cat than owl, it waits patiently outside lava tunnels and crevasses to capture the storm petrels as they leave their tunnel homes after feeding their young.

We will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, hike, and take a ride in a panga

Day 5: Sunday

AM: South Plaza Island:  We awaken in a protected moorage off South Plaza island. The dry landing transports you to a brilliant combination of life and colors. Land iguanas wandering through bright red carpet weed, Swallow tailed gulls nesting around the overhang tops and red-billed tropicbirds and shearwaters flying with dancing displays. Mind the pirates of the sky; they will strike if you drop your guard. This 13 acre (5 hectare) island is one of the best spots in the archipelago to see land iguanas and swallow-tailed gulls, both indigenous to the Galapagos. There are iguana nests scattered all over the hill. The sheer cliffs of the southern shore are a perfect bird habitat, making it an unparalleled bird observatory especially for  swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon shearwaters, and red-billed tropicbirds.  You'll also have the chance to spot the only marine - land iguana hybrids in the islands.  Evolution in the making?

PM: Santa Fe Island: A more picturesque inlet could not have been created by the world's best artist.  The white sand floor of the seabed of Barrington Bay reflects the light, turning the calm waters turquoise. A small forest of gigantic prickly pear cactus grows on a peninsula that keeps the bay sheltered. Conditions are ideal for a large sea lion colony. Santa Fe is an ancient extinct volcano and it has been isolated from other islands long enough to have an endemic land dragon. Paler in color than its relatives, the Barrington land iguana has a primitive morphology. Galapagos Hawks, mocking birds, finches and endemic rice rats provide company to this yellowish monster. 

Day 6: Monday

AM: Punta Pitt: On Punta Pitt we do a wet landing late in the afternoon to climb a tuff cone and enjoy the sunset. This is the point in Galapagos that is closest to mainland South America. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, frigate birds and storm petrel nest in the area.  The ochre color beach is perfect for a relaxing plunge after the walk and great for capturing images.

PM: Kicker Rock: Is a gigantic and impressive rock formation known locally as ‘León Dormido’ where we can see a multitude of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, pelicans and sea birds that will delight us with their majestic flights to be photographed. Later we head towards Isla Lobos, an islet separated from San Cristóbal Island by a narrow stretch of calm waters. On the islet we will take a walk that will allow us to observe frigates, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, a colony of sea lions and we will also be able to snorkel in the arm of the sea, probably with the company of sea lions and different kinds of colorful fish. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and primitive beauty, a typical environment of the Galapagos Islands.

Day 7: Tuesday

AM: In the morning, our guide will take us to the top of San Cristóbal Island. Following, our tour has 2 options. The first option starts from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and involves a visit to the El Junco Lagoon. For hundreds of years, rain water and condensation have caused an accumulation of water in the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating a paradise for frigate birds and turtles. Alternatively, we will visit the “Cerro Colorado” turtle breeding center. There we will have a pleasant walk along a path that allows us to be in close contact with the turtles, that can vary from the smallest to the oldest of giants.

PM: Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, located on the outskirts of the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galápagos province. The interpretation center will give us an introduction to the islands, and their natural, as well as human history. After, we will walk to the place known as ‘La Colina de las Fragatas’, or ‘Cerro Tijeretas. This short 30-minute walk starts from the interpretation center and takes you to the top of the hill. Once there, the visitors can enjoy a spectacular sight of the surrounding white beaches and the incredible geographical formations of the Pacific Ocean. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds that nest there in certain seasons of the year. From the hill we will descend into a small cove known as Punta Carola, where we will observe a colony of sea lions. At night (if you want) you can go into the city for a walk and maybe have a drink at one of the local cantinas.  For those keen on photos of people, towns, and general human activitly, you will have interesting opportunities today.  

Day 8: Wednesday

AM: Punta Suárez: Española Island is the oldest in Galapagos, the Queen. Her Majesty has travelled 100 miles (160 km) away from the volcanic hotspot over which she was originally created; she sets an example of splendor and wisdom. You'll be amazed at the most colourful marine iguanas in Galapagos, at the plentiful sea lions leisurely wandering around you, at blue-footed boobies and Sally light-foot crabs coating the rocks with their brilliant colours. The long walk leads you to one of the finest illustrations of ancient sea bird colonies on the planet. The endless cliff shaped by strong wave action and the force of the wind is the home of the only tropical albatross on Earth - the waved albatross. This mythical elegant glider shares the precipice with many others sea birds like the tropicbirds, the swallow tailed gull and the Nazca booby.

PM: Bahía Gardner: Located on the north coast of Española Gardner Bay beckons with its tranquil snow white sand beach. The fine grains of sand make perfect terrain for a soft walk and a late afternoon "zen" time by the sea… though you won't be alone, sea lions and Hood mockingbirds will keep us company.   The mockingbirds here have the reputation for a certain cockiness.  So, don't drop your camera lens cap - they may make off with it!

Day 9: Thursday

AM: Punta Cormorant / Devil's Crown:  We wake up moored off Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island.  We will do a wet landing on a volcanic olivine beach - the sand is green here. Punta Cormorant is located on the northern shore of Floreana and is the house of greater flamingos and sea turtles. On one side, the point is partially flooded with a brackish lagoon where flamingos occasionally feed. Whimbrels, herons and stilts are other common shore and migratory birds of the wetlands. On the other side sea turtles use every corner of a white sand beach to deliver their eggs.  You often see stingrays and reef sharks from the shore and if you are lucky turtles ending basking.

We return to the yacht to begin our snorkeling activity at the location known as the Devil’s Crown. This is a sunken volcanic crater where the interior of the formation is ideal for the sustainability of a marvelous coral reef habitat, making it one of the most fascinating marine sites in the Galápagos.

PM: Bahía “Post Office”: Historically, it served as a letter exchange station in the 18th century when the crew of a whaling ship utilized a wooden barrel. Both sailors and tourists have used this system to communicate with people from all around the world. The idea is to bring letters or postcards to their destination by hand, creating a very special “postal service” This site was also the landing place for some of the first settlers on the islands. Then we will visit the Asilo de la Paz, known for its strange history as one of the first occupied areas of the islands by the German Witmer family. We return to the yacht and head to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in Galápagos. If we are lucky, we may see a pod of dolphins during our trip, as well as manta rays and sea turtles.

Day 10: Friday

AM:  Santa Cruz / Puerto Ayora: We begin with a visit to the visitor center of the Galápagos National Park and the  Fausto Llerena tortoise breeding center, and where we can learn about the work that is being done in order to protect this unique species. There will be plenty of tiny tortoises to see here.  The famous Charles Darwin Research Station is also located here.  It has a wonderful interpretation centre (and shop - all proceeds help support the Station's work).  

PM: We head up to the Santa Cruz Highlands where we will enjoy a delicious lunch on a private ranch. Our guide will take us on a walk through a beautiful forest full of ferns, sedges, and miconias, while you might also observe some giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, we will head to one of the many lava tunnels in the area. Here we will enjoy a short walk through the tunnel, where we can admire the results of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred millions of years ago.

Day 11: Saturday

AM: Isabela is the name of the largest and the youngest island within the Galápagos Archipelago. In the morning we will begin our first visit to the islets known as Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. This area has a small bay of calm turquoise water, where we can observe sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, stingrays, and many more aquatic species. Next, we will walk along a path and explore two different beaches. The first beach that we will encounter is a popular place for sea lions and marine iguanas that nest in the area, while the second beach is surrounded by button mangroves (Conocarpus erecta) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa). After the visit to "Las Tintoreras", we will disembark to Puerto Villamil to head to the Sierra Negra Volcano, found in the highlands of the island, as it rises to an altitude of 1124m. It is located between
the Cerro Azul volcano to the west, and the Alcedo volcano to the north. If we're lucky, skies will be clear and we'll have a wonderful view of the vast sunken crater.  

PM: After lunch, during the afternoon, we will visit the wetlands known as “Los Humedales”, where we will be able to see a wide variety of wetland birds with majority of them being endemic to the island. After our visit, we will have some free time in the small town of Puerto Villamil. At the end of the day we will board the yacht for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 12: Sunday

AM: Punta Moreno / Isabela Island: is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. The trail will grant us a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul on Isabela Island, and the summit of Fernandina Island. We'll be surrounded by vast lava fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.   We will have the opportunity to snorkel here, despite the cold waters, marine life is abundant. After this visit we will return to the yacht for lunch and a little rest before heading out for our afternoon activity.

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Elizabeth Bay / Isabela Island. The trip will begin in a cove surrounded by red mangroves. Here we will be able to observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Visitors have often been able to see Galápagos falcons fly overhead, while Pompano and Mahi-mahi fish schools are seen swimming below.  

Day 13: Monday

AM: Urbina Bay / Isabela Island: The bay is located at the east base of the Alcedo volcano, with an approximately 3200m path connecting it to the beach, where, after a beach landing, we will have to cross through the coastal zone, traversing sand, rocks, lava, corals, and plant formations. At this site, we will be able to see large sized land iguanas, as well as giant Galápagos tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas.

PM: Tagus Cove / Isabela Island. Here we will have the opportunity to snorkel, surface dive, or to kayak. At around 4pm, we will hike to the top of the cliff that takes us to a viewpoint of Lake Darwin, a lake that has high saline concentrations. Finally, we will observe Lake Darwin. It doesn’t contain any fish, and only a few lifeforms due to its high salinity. Supposedly, in the past there was an explosive volcanic eruption in the area, since there are large number of volcanic rocks of varying sizes that can be found here. Among the most common are small spherical balls, that are almost perfect in shape, referred to as “lapili” or petrified rain.

Day 14: Tuesday

AM: Punta Espinoza / Fernandina Island:  Punta Espinoza is located on the far northeast part of the island and is a narrow platform of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea. Punta Espinoza is well known for its large colonies of marine iguanas, and its unique fauna such as the flightless cormorant, the Galápagos penguin, the Galápagos falcon, and the Galápagos racer snake. After this visit, there will be a possibility to snorkel in the area, where we will be able to swim with marine iguanas, large colonies of sea turtles, and if we are lucky even with beautiful seahorses.

PM: Punta Vicente Roca / Isabela Island: This site offers an overwhelming diversity of geological formations. Located on the southwest end of Ecuador Volcano, only a short distance south of latitude 0°, the area is an outstanding example of how the Islands were formed and how the forces of change have transformed the landscape and shaped the wildlife over thousands of years. Vicente Roca is the home of tuff cones and lava dikes and is fertile ground for erosion and the disaster of collapse. We will look at the dramatic structures from our dinghies, as we also enjoy watching the Galapagos penguins, brown noddies, blue-footed boobies and other marine life. When the waters are calm enough, the snorkelling is fascinating. The walls of the tuff cones are full of colorful invertebrates and rich, blooming algae gives us of the opportunity to witness numerous sea turtles feeding. 

Day 15: Wednesday

AM: Puerto Egas  / Santiago Island:  We do a wet landing at Puerto Egas also known as James Bay. The magical shorelines of the west of James Island are a combination of tuff cone, lava flows and organic sand. A rocky coast with a very gentle slope is used by a great number of shore birds and reptiles. Oystercatchers, whimbrels, sanderlings, turnstones, tattlers and other waders are mixed with marine iguanas and bright painted crabs to feed by the rich littoral zone.  Grand, partially collapsed lava tunnels house a Galapagos fur sea lion colony. The snorkel can be one of the best in the archipelago. Sea turtles feeding, parrot fishes, damsel fishes, white tipped reef sharks and many more…    Charles Darwin spent most of his Galapagos land time near this spot.

PM: Rábida Isalnd: Galapagos offers a diversity of geological formations without boundaries. The island of Rábida has lavas rich in iron and after millions of years of exposure to air they have turned it red. The rusted volcanic material has eroded to form a beautiful crimson sand beach, lovely for a walk. The protected shore provides excellent conditions for wildlife.  Brown pelicans use the nearby saltbushes as a resting and nesting area. Hawks and mocking birds are common visitors of the lowlands. Furthermore, you'll find that snorkeling off the beach can be very exciting as sharks, rays and many colorful fish are often visible.

Day 16: Thursday

AM: After a short night sailing, the sun will dawn on the beautiful “Sombrero Chino” channel. This small islet is located near the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. Our visit provides an excellent opportunity for the observation and understanding of geological characteristics such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and occasionally Galápagos penguins. We will take our time to swim in this beautiful bay area, where we will likely encounter sharks, stingrays, unique species of fish, and occasionally penguins, before returning to the yacht to enjoy a barbecue on top deck. We can also spend time exploring the area with kayaks, visiting the magnificent geological formations from the surface.

PM: Bartolomé Island offers an explosive volcanic landscape.  You'll be climbing the longest staircase in Galapagos - taking up over 270 feet (80 metres) to admire the dramatic spatter cones and the expansive view of Pinnacle Rock that distinguishes Galapagos from other oceanic archipealgoes.  It's from this vantage point that one of the most iconic pictures of Galapagos is taken - with Pinnacle Rock in the background.  Later, enjoy some down time on magical golden beaches where sea turtles nest (December to March), and/or go for a swim or snorkel near (or with!) penguins, sharks, giant rays and to explore the sunken lava tubes.

Day 17: Friday

AM: North Seymour: Following a dry landing at sunrise we will walk amongst the largest blue-footed booby colony of the Islands. If breeding, you will enjoy their dancing and singing to find a mate. Not far from the dancers we'll spot great and magnificent frigate birds nesting. The males inflate their pouches to attract the ladies that fly above them. Swallow tailed gulls and tropicbirds decorate the large basaltic walls of the island.

POST CRUISE:  

Those guests who chose the "Leisure option" for this trip (see below) will transfer to Puerto Ayora for two additional nights at the Ikala Hotel. They'll enjoy a free day in town, getting their sea legs back.  Those not choosing this option will fly back to Quito, where your trip ends.  

LEISURE OPTION:  Enjoy some down time after an active trip - wander about town, go to the local beach, do a bit of shopping, taste the local craft beer, coffee shops and more.  Capture some shots in town - people and places This option includes:

• hotel / airport transfers

• 2 extra nights in Galapagos post-cruise in the lovely Ikala boutique hotel with pool;

• Visit an organic coffee farms in the highlands;

• Lunch at a highlands restaurant;

• Services of a naturalist guide to help plan any excursions or accompany you;

• A farewell dinner on your last night in Galapagos;

• Accompanied transfer to the hotel for your flight back to the continent, includes check-in assistance.

(leisure option will be confirmed with a minimum of 8 participants)

Or give us a call at 613-740-1104